The next stop by ferry was the historical immigrants' landing point. I remember watching the video "Island of Hope, Island of Tears" in my American History class, 30 minutes of black and white on VHS that somehow managed to make me misty-eyed. Immigrants would have to line up day after day as they were checked for health, as well as tested for literacy and proper documentation. This diamond activity was a test for mental health. The top ones are done by people who had never held a pencil in their lives, while the bottom ones had maybe several years of basic education.
The coolest part for me was seeing the original graffiti they uncovered under all the layers of paint after restoring the building. People coming towards a new life would etch into the walls of their detention areas and dormitories names, countries, dates, dreams, fears, artwork, and songs. It was really moving to connect to that kind of spirit, where people who are seeking a better life both eagerly anticipate a new path unfolding before them, and mourn the loved ones and the familiar world they're leaving behind.
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